"One was to find someone to pay for the operation and become Dusty's owner in return, or get the RSPCA to fix him and rehome him, but that would have been very unlikely because of the high level of cats already in shelters.

"So the other option would have been to have him put to sleep."

Mrs Lavers posted details about Dusty's predicament on Facebook, in the hope someone could take in the injured cat.

Instead, Mrs Lavers received messages of support and donations to fund Dusty's surgery.

"It was very unexpected," she said. "I didn't ask for the money. They raised over $450 in less than 24 hours."

Mrs Lavers thanked the administrators of the Facebook page, Toowoomba Buy Sell Swap and Giveaway, for co-ordinating the donations as well as all the people who donated.

"Nothing like this has ever happened to me before," she said.

"They have helped Dusty stay with us."

Dusty underwent surgery last Friday to repair the hernia and internal damage.

He is now receiving antibiotics and lots of healing cuddles from Mrs Lavers' daughter, Kate.